Ambush
/ˈæmbʊʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo attack unexpectedly from a hidden place.
/æmˈbʊʃ/
To attack by surprise from a concealed position.
The guerrillas ambushed the convoy.
💡 Simply: To surprise and attack someone who is not expecting it.
More Examples
They were ambushed on the mountain road.
How It's Used
"The soldiers ambushed the enemy patrol."
"The villain ambushed the hero in a dark alley."
A surprise attack from a hidden position.
/ˈæmbʊʃ/
A surprise attack from a concealed position.
The enemy prepared an ambush.
💡 Simply: A sudden attack from somewhere you can't see.
More Examples
They fell victim to a deadly ambush.
How It's Used
"The battle was a devastating ambush."
"The travelers narrowly escaped the ambush."
From Old French *embusche, from embuscher "to hide in the bushes," from en- "in" + *busch "bush, wood." The modern sense developed from its military origins.
The word's military usage is prominent throughout history, particularly in accounts of warfare.
Memory tip
Imagine bushes (bush) hiding soldiers, ready to ambush.